TheCable

The house of representatives has asked the federal government to accredit the federal college of dental technology and therapy in Enugu to independently award degrees.

Benjamin  Kalu,  deputy speaker of the house, while speaking during a plenary session, said the college had the legal responsibility to carry out such operations in accordance with the federal college of dental technology and therapy (establishment) Act.

He also directed the committee on tertiary education to ensure that National Universities Commission (NUC) complies with the provisions of the Act. 

According to Kalu, NUC has continued to deny the college of its deserved accreditation to perform its degree-awarding functions,  despite the enactment of the Act. 

“In pursuant to section 6(a) of the Act, the college is empowered to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates for courses provided for under the Act, ” the lawmaker said

“The house notes that the federal college of dental technology and therapy (establishment) Act, 2017 which provided a legal framework for the College was established in 1955 and has been fully operational.

“It was aimed at empowering the institution to help reduce capital flight on the one hand and service the critical medical and health manpower needs of the nation on the other hand.

“The house is aware that the college, all along, has been funded by the annual national budget and is well-positioned both in manpower and infrastructure to take off in line with the new mandate as provided for by the Act.

“The house is also aware that a visitation report from the NUC confirmed that the college is fully equipped with the availability of adequate manpower and facilities to offer degree courses of study as required by the NUC and as such the college is duly qualified to fully function in line with the new mandate.

“The house is worried that despite meeting all necessary requirements, the NUC insists that the college may operate only in affiliation with FUTO, thereby obstructing the full implementation of the Act.

“An Act of the national assembly duly passed and given presidential assent in 2017, while also violating Section 4(1)(a) of the NUC Act, Cap N81, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Kalu, therefore, urged the federal government to direct the NUC to provide the necessary accreditation as required by the law to ensure implementation.